Cody Snavely
There were several reasons why the Dodgers are not representing the National League in this year’s fall classic, but perhaps the obvious answer is the lack of starting pitching this season. During Andrew Freidman’s end-of-year press conference, he stated that the team would have starting pitching at the front of their to-do list. However, one name that the team should have their eyes on is Tyler Glasnow.
MLB Trade Rumors Nick Deeds has reported that the Rays will be looking to trade RHP Tyler Glasnow this offseason to free up money on their payroll. The Rays, who are projected to have a payroll of 130 million dollars in 2024, will look to shed salary to get that down below one hundred if possible. The Rays traded for Glasnow in the infamous Chris Archer deal, which brought multiple top Pirates prospects to Tampa and is known for being one of the most lopsided trades in recent history. Glasnow has been a massive part of the Rays’ recent success, which saw them face the Dodgers in the 2020 World Series, falling just short in six games. However, it is becoming possible for the team to move on from the right-handed flame thrower after back-to-back Wild Card exits.
Why it makes sense for the Rays
The Rays are not a team known for having a high payroll, and with that number approaching the 130 million dollar mark (franchise record) for the 2024 season, the first name to go may be Glasnow, who is due 25 million next season. Since Glasnow signed an extension with the Rays that guaranteed him a big payday in 2024, there was always speculation on what Tampa would do, as it was seen as an uncharacteristic deal.
However, Erik Neander also stated that the Rays would be open to increasing the payroll in 2024. The Rays are also in a similar position as the Dodgers, where starting pitching is a need right now, with both clubs having multiple holes in the starting five due to injury. With the Rays’ current payroll situation in flux and the already competitive AL East, which will only be better in 2024, it is not hard to imagine the Rays taking a step back and getting the team ready for 2025.
Why it makes sense for the Dodgers
The Dodgers’ biggest question mark going into the offseason is what will the starting rotation look like next season. With Clayton Kershaw‘s future undecided, Walker Buehler‘s 2nd career Tommy John Surgery, and potential sophomore slumps with Bobby Miller/Ryan Pepiot, and Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May out potentially all year, the Dodgers need to be aggressive for pitching this winter.
Projected 2024 Dodgers starting rotation: Walker Buehler, Bobby Miller, Ryan Pepiot, Emmet Sheehan, Michael Grove Depth: Kyle Hurt, Gavin Stone
The Dodgers showed an obvious flaw in the last few seasons in October, and the pitching has been perhaps the biggest problem due to injuries and off-the-field antics by Trevor Bauer and Julio Urias. Knowing how the Dodgers view the free agent market, not wanting to bid with teams on high-profile players in free agency, Andrew Friedman will look to the trade market. While the team will also look at more reclamation projects as they have in years past, I believe the Dodgers need a front-end starter to solidify the rotation, as you cannot count on anyone in the organization to be that for you right now.
What a trade could look like
The Dodgers have a plethora of young, controllable talent, especially in the pitching department, and if the Rays traded Glasnow to anyone, they would want that pitching in return. The Dodgers also have plenty of young position players without spots on the roster, specifically Michael Busch, who has been stuck in AAA for the past two seasons. If the teams were to strike a deal, I imagine it could be a two-for-one, with Glasnow being the lone player to come to the Dodgers.
Gavin Stone and Michael Busch for Tyler Glasnow
The Dodgers get their Ace for the 2024 season, and they trade away the prospect surplus of young pitching, with Gavin Stone being the odd man out as Ryan Pepiot and Bobby Miller are likely considered “untouchable.” Michael Busch is also in the potential deal; if LA does not plan for him to be on the big league roster in 2024, they should consider trading him for a position of need, such as starting pitching. The Rays get two cheap, controllable talents that will impact their roster immediately.
Whether the team makes a big push for Glasnow remains to be seen, but the need for front-end starting pitching is at an all-time high, and the Dodgers need to make a move this winter.
